Action Alert!
November 3, 2009
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By: Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
We need you to respond - tell EPA it?s time to move forward.
In December of 2008 the Dow Chemical Company re-started negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) with the hopes of finding the right path to move the dioxin and furan cleanup issue forward. On September 25, 2009 this hope has been realized. Negotiators from Dow, the EPA and the MDEQ have come to an agreement----20 plus years in the making!
On October 16 the EPA announced there would be a public comment period for this agreement. The Chamber urges you to tell the EPA that this agreement is the right path forward to resolve this issue. The agreement outlines a systematic approach for further evaluation on the river. It outlines how requirements will be met, how disputes will be resolved and how long this will take to execute. Key to this agreement and important to all of us is public participation. The EPA is looking for everyone?s input.
We encourage you to contact the EPA and let them know this agreement is good for the region. While Dow has taken on the responsibility for this cleanup, which means they will incur the cost versus you or me, this positive good-faith development continues to be criticized by a vocal minority. For this reason, it is important that we as chamber members become the vocal majority by pledging our support. This agreement is positive for Dow and both agencies. It is positive for the region and puts us one monumental step closer to resolution.
In addition to the public comment period, the EPA will host a public meeting on November 5th starting at 7 pm in Curtiss Hall at Saginaw Valley State University. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments to the EPA. It is important to take this opportunity to speak out clearly in support of this agreement. Letters and e-mails can be sent to the EPA Region V (kelley.jeff@epamail.epa.gov) and the EPA headquarters in Washington DC (Jackson.lisa@epa.gov). Public comments can also be given in writing or in person at the meeting.
Please ensure your voice is heard on this very important issue. This agreement is a very positive development and we must be proactive in our support and for moving our region forward.
Michael D. Seward, CCE
President & CEO
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
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The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization joining businesses and the community for economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area.
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